California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed a bill that would have made slain San Francisco Supervisor Harvey Milk’s birthday a statewide “day of significance.”

According to the Associated Press, Schwarzenegger claimed to respect the measure’s intent, but said that Milk’s “contributions should continue to be recognized at the local level.”

Conservative groups like the Capitol Resource Institute lobbied against the bill, which was introduced by openly gay Victory endorsee Mark Leno.

“It’s a day that celebrates the history of a gay individual for being gay. That’s his claim to fame,” said Karen England, the group’s executive director.